Flu Vaccine Still Best Way To Avoid Getting Influenza (NAPSA)—Saving yourself from a lot of suffering can be simpler than you may think. As influenza season approaches, many people think about getting a flu vaccine but never get around to it. For some, not getting a flu shot may result in symptoms that will be an inconvenience, such as high fever, sore throat or runny nose. For others, the consequences are far more severe. In fact, the flu is a serious disease that on average kills 36,000 people in the United States each year and sends many moreto the hospital. Persons who are mostat risk of ending up in the hospital with influenza are nursing homeresidents and other people 65 orolder. People who have chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, lung problems, cancer and HIV also have an increased risk for severe complications from influenza. Pregnant women and children younger than age 2 are at high risk for serious problems arising from the flu. What many do not realize, though, is that if they are infected with the flu virus and are in close contact with someone whofalls into one of these categories, they could spread the flu to uninfected people before they even start feeling sick. Adults can continue to pass the influenza virus to others for three to seven days after symptoms start and children can pass along the virus for longer than seven days. Transmission of the flu is mostly through sneezing or coughing but the virus can also live on objects such as doorknobs, tele- Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Get Your Flu Vaccine! phone receivers and utensils for as long as a day. Although some people are ill with influenza for only a few days and have mild symptoms, others becomeseriously ill and need to be hospitalized. What can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious infection? Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to avoid getting the virus and passing it to those you care about. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting an influenza vaccine in October or November (before flu season really gets under way). Flu vaccines are safe and effective and, contrary to misperceptions, cannot cause the flu virus. Unlike last year, officials expect more than enoughflu vaccine this year. Everyone can get a vaccine who wants one. If you are unsure when or where to get vaccinated, ask your health care provider or call the health department. To learn more, call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cde.gov/flu.
